Meet Michael Sheahan, Author and NYPD Detective

Michael Sheahan is a highly decorated retired NYPD Detective from the NYPD/FBI Joint Federal Task Force. Michael is also an award winning Childrens book author, Singer-Songwriter, producer and Publisher. Many years ago he formed a conglomerate of companies under Finest Worldwide Entertainment (Finest Music, Finest Books, Finest Media, Fine St Records & Finest Worldwide Management Group). Michael created a character named Mr. Holidays, and released his first book with a musical CD & Dance instructional DVD titled “Mr. Holidays Presents The Roof Top Hop” It won three of the biggest awards in the children’s book industry for Best Holiday Book, Best Holiday book with music/Theatrical, and the prestigious Independent Books Publishers award.

Michael hopes he can donate over 100,000 books and ship them in time for Christmas 2017. He titled this campaign "The Gift Keeps Giving" cause he feels it was a gift from above that inspired him to create Mr. Holidays. A gift of being honored with three awards for his creation, and a gift to be able to pay it forward to bring a smile to children's faces this Christmas 2017 Holiday Season.

1. How did you come up with the character of Mr. Holidays, and what would you most like our readers to know about him?

I created Mr. Holidays to be a safe keeper of all the holidays in the calendar year. To promote the old traditions as well as create new fun ways to celebrate with family and friends.

2. What would you like people to know about you and your books?

I think your readers should know that deep down inside I’m still a big kid, and I have always loved and cherished sharing the holidays with family and friends. It was always a time in my house growing up where we just slowed down enough to continue the family traditions to spend, share and enjoy quality time with each other making new memories each and every year. Christmas wasn’t a day when I was a child. It was at least two weeks or more spread out visiting friends and family. It kind of kicked off a week after Thanksgiving. I think it’s such an important time especially for the children to be in the middle of the adults conversation with their grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, siblings, cousins and friends sharing and learning the family traditions. Just hearing the stories and old tales that were passed down from generation to generation. I feel it’s so important to their upbringing knowing that they have the support and a solid foundation helping them feel secure and loved.

3. Would you tell us a little more about how you were inspired to create Mr. Holidays?

I was inspired to create Mr. Holidays through several experiences with my own children and their friends. On one occasion we had a birthday party for our youngest child who at the time just turned six or seven. We had several friends over and had a really enjoyable day playing games and having pizza and all sorts of goodies for desert. By the end of the evening the children were settling down waiting to be picked up by their parents. I pulled out my guitar and we had a sing-along. After several songs that were known by the children I started singing a few Christmas songs because it was only a few weeks away. While every one was singing one child pipes up to all of our surprise that he does not believe in Santa. I looked at my sons face expressing a shocked questionable look, and I quickly replied well that’s fine that you don’t believe in Santa, but in this house we love Santa.

When all the children left and my little guy went to bed I asked my wife how could that little child already not believe in Santa…He’s so young? My wife replied "for some people Christmas is just another day. With both parents working full time it’s not easy..."

Thanks, Michael!

Meet Tina Cauthorn, Artist and Etsy Seller

Tina Cauthorn is a retired buyer from Fred Meyer, a division of Kroger. She has put her creative skills to work by having fun with buttons. Her "Button Factory" is in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Tina buys all her buttons on Etsy, on eBay, and at antique stores. So many Buttons, so little time! Check out Tina's button frames and other creations by visiting her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/allbuttonedupbytina.

1. How did you decide to focus on making and selling button frames in your Etsy shop?

I saw a button frame in an antique shop and I thought, "I can do that." I went home and found an old picture frame and started gluing buttons on it. I still have my first "creation," and when I look at it, I realize how far I have come. Once I made enough to give away frames as gifts to friends and family, I decided that I should try selling them. I initially did a few craft shows. Boy, is that hard work! Everyone at the craft events was talking about Etsy. I looked into it and figured I would give it a try! My product seems to find the right customer base on Etsy.

2. What do you especially like about working with buttons--and how do you choose the buttons to work with in your creations?

When I worked as a buyer, I did a lot of design work, and this was a great way to challenge my creative side. One of the things I did as a buyer was buy "Novelty Underwear." All those boxer shorts with hearts on them for Valentines Day? I kind of took that idea and transferred it into button frames. It's fun to think of ideas. Holidays were easy! But then, I thought "Minions." What about "Wine," "Weddings," and "Watermelons"? I love that my customers send me a request for something special, and I'm able to make it happen.

3. In searching for buttons online and offline, how do you distinguish antique buttons from more contemporary ones?

When I started binging on buttons, I bought a lot of buttons on eBay--by the POUND! I got all kinds of old, vintage buttons. Since then, I've gotten very discriminating in only picking buttons that I know will complement what I already have. I've had to add new, current buttons into my assortment. It's tough to find nice, vintage rhinestone buttons or vintage button in bright, vibrant colors.

4. You have some great reviews on Etsy! What has been your experience in selling on the Etsy platform?

I've always said that Etsy is really a fabulous community. I find almost everyone I've dealt with has been a pleasure. I use my many years in retail to set my standards for my shop. "The customer is always right," and I want to make sure its a pleasant experience. I know I love it when I get a package from Etsy and its nicely wrapped and presented. I've had a lot of the sellers I buy from become regular customers. It's a nice world.

5. What is your advice to others who want to start selling arts and crafts projects online?

I think if you want to start selling online, you need to do your research. What is out there? What is the pricing? Does it compare with what you do? I know my first frames were not as nice as they are now. I did not start selling on Etsy until I had it perfected. So, make sure you are putting your best foot forward. You won't get repeat customers if things are not well put together and presented nicely. Think about how you like to receive things. Be patient. It took me awhile to sell my first frame, but now my sales are pretty steady: steady enough for me to say I am an "artist," even if the medium is glue and buttons!

Thanks, Tina!

Introducing the Premium SST Cocktail Shaker Set

The Premium SST Cocktail Shaker Set Bundle sold on Amazon by G&Z Online Marketing comes with a double jigger, two bottle pourers, and over 50 recipes. This 24oz martini bar kit is a nice holiday gift item made from high-quality, dishwasher-safe stainless steel and guaranteed to stay rust-free.

I talked with one of the partners who created the product, and he's offering a special coupon to readers of this blog. The coupon code for 10% off: just use the Code "BLOGSP10" (Blog Special 10%). The coupon has a limit for one usage per customer, and it can be used for multiple units in the same purchase.

1. I like that your product comes with accessories and recipes. Would you tell us a little more about everything that comes with the cocktail shaker?

Our Premium Cocktail Shaker comes with all you need to make drinks at home. First is the actual shaker: it's a three-piece shaker, with a body/cup, lid and cap. The lid has a built-in strainer to keep everything you don't need away from your drink. Also, we have a double jigger, which is a measuring cup for drinks, 1/2 oz and 1oz, and two bottle pourers to fit on the bottle to avoid dripping all over the kitchen.

With every purchase, we also give an eBook with tips, tricks, and over 50 recipes.

2. As for the shaker itself, how did you choose materials and test the product to make sure it met your specifications before having a factory produce it for you?

Well, it was not as easy as I expected. We hired three material engineers, went over many, many reviews and complaints on other products, and did deep market research for materials best for use in the kitchen, until we decided to go with stainless steel 18/8 (aka Grade 304), as it's food safe, rust-free, dishwasher safe and on top has a nice, shiny look.

3. How did your earlier work experience as a bartender influence your design of your product?

As both myself and my wife worked as bartenders, we know what we want: size, shake, grip, weight, and so it took some time to find the right partner and factory to product it according to our needs, but where there is a will, there is a way....

4. What do you like about Amazon as a platform for selling your product?

I like that customers are coming to buy, and they have a very big variety to choose from. They can feel safe when purchasing as Amazon and we as sellers provide an excellent return policy and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

I appreciate the great customer service and amazingly fast delivery that our customers receive as we use Fulfillment by Amazon. I myself have been a loyal Amazon Customer for over eight years.

5. What has been the response from customers so far?

Customers love the product. We get many emails which tell us, "Thanks, this is an amazing product, best shaker ever." Even though we knew we'd come up with a good product, the love we get from the customers is more than we could ever have expected. I do believe when you make quality products and back them with value for the money and great customer service, customers get a good deal and appreciate it.

Introducing GreevilGoods for Custom Blankets and More

GreevilGoods is a company that sells unique products online, many of which would make great holiday gifts. One of their specialties is customized fleece blankets. The blankets feature a wide variety of designs from pop culture, including icons from movies, music, and video games.

I bet that GreevilGoods sells a lot of their Frozen-themed blankets! I know my four-year-old would love one. The blankets come in different sizes: small (40" by 50"), medium (50" by 60"), and large (58" by 80"). They are made with anti-pilling polar fleece fabric and are machine washable. They have a full color printing process, too.

Many of the designs are based on vivid photos of artists, featuring everyone from Marilyn Manson to Bruno Mars. Others are more animation/drawing based designs. There really is something for everyone. Many of the designs are meant to appeal to adults, including a design with a marijuana leaf.

In addition to the blankets, GreevilGoods features other products such as messenger bags and backpacks. These also have full color printing and a lot of different designs. Some examples of designs include Adventure Time, Adam Levine, and Bob Marley.

I think the site will be expanding into more home products and gift items such as shower curtains and iPhone covers. This is a newer site, but it is growing every day, and it's worth a visit to check out their offerings!

Introducing a Holiday Gift Guide for Feng Shui Art Gifts

It's already time to start thinking about the holiday season and cool Christmas gifts. If you don't have any ideas for gifts yet, don't worry because there are helpful holiday gift guides to get you thinking. One example is The Best Holiday Gift Guide For 2015-2016: Feng Shui Art Gifts.

Created by Explosionluck.com, this guide includes some unique ideas for Feng Shui gifts. Based on the principles of Feng Shui art, these gifts include Feng Shui paintings and jewelry. Not only are there a variety of beautiful gift items, but they are also designed with the intention to help create prosperity and abundance.

Popular gifts include Tibetan Buddhist tapestries and moving sand art pictures. There is a really nice array of pictures with different subjects such as mountains, water, and wildlife. Really there is something for everyone who wants a painting that inspires rest and meditative thought.

Many of the gifts are especially good for people who are looking for find items that help create a relaxing environment. If your family and friends are interested in yoga and Buddhist philosophy, this gift guide is a great place to start browsing for creative, artistic gifts.

Meet Adam Schneider, Certified Sommelier and CEO of Say It On Wine

Adam Schneider is a Certified Sommelier living and working in the heart of Napa Valley. His business, Say It On Wine, offers a unique, personalized, affordable gift for any occasion: any message or image engraved on any wine bottle or glass. Check out the ideas for holiday gifts and other special occasions.

1. How did you come up with the idea for Say It On Wine?

Everyone in Napa walks around with bottles of wine, purchased from cherished wineries, but unless they get shipped home, empty memories are tossed in the recycle bin. Taking note from something I learned working the NY wine market, I saw a need across Napa that was not being addressed. And Say It On Wine was born.

2. How does your engraving process work?

We use a laser engraving system, which allows us to engrave quickly and for a reasonable price. It also give us the ability to add images or logos along with any amount of text that can comfortably fit on the bottle.

3. What is the process for someone who wants to create a one of a kind engraving, with their own text and image?

We suggest customers contact us directly at info@sayitonwine com. Once we get an idea of what a customer is looking for, we will work with them to get the design just right. When they are 100% satisfied, we will charge them and get started right away on their order. Orders are generally delivered or shipped the same day the order is placed.

4. In addition to wine bottles, are there other items you engrave?

While we mainly work on 750ml wine bottles or smaller, we also work on and sell a variety of wine, beer, and specialty glassware. We have also engraved candles, vases, and decanters.

5. What is your advice to other entrepreneurs who are interested in building a business related to the wine industry?

There are a lot of different aspects to the wine business, so everyone from dreamers to investors can find something that they enjoy and are good at. I started in the wine business 15 years ago and had the chance to experience different aspects before deciding on what I wanted to do. Others may not have that liberty, but there are many options.

Thanks, Adam!

Meet May Blair, Author

May Blair, a humorist and screenwriter who loves to find the fun in human psychology, is the author of Black Friday Insanity, a holiday-themed novelette. She describes the book as part biography and part fiction--which parts she won't tell.

May is a teacher, poet, cook, and wife, as well as a mom to three cats (Cinny, Rosy, and Tina). You can find her on Twitter, and find her book on Amazon. May lives in Orlando, Florida.

1. What inspired you to write Black Friday Insanity?

I was inspired by my relatives, personal Black Friday experiences, and ridiculous news stories. Black Friday Insanity is a comedic expression of shopping and sibling rivalry.

2. As an author, what does shopping represent to you both literally and metaphorically?

In this story, shopping represents many things for the main character, Jane. Her anger is being released and defining her. Her self-esteem issues are being exposed because they allowed her to be triggered into a rage. Shopping is not about acquiring stuff to Jane--she knows she doesn't need the stuff. Shopping is about getting back at people: her sisters.

3. Why do you think the holidays are so stressful for so many people--and what makes the holidays a rich topic for an author?

The holidays are what we choose to make of them. People who are running around feeling stressed have chosen to take on a myriad of rituals (shopping, baking, cooking, traveling, hosting).

Most people take on these activities without deep reflection as to why they "have to" do these things. It is in the "have to" that the stress becomes negative (and creates resentment). I want to make some cupcakes for dessert, or I have to make cupcakes for dessert can make a huge difference in the person's emotions.

I believe that the holidays are such a rich topic because fall and winter have brought people inside to nest. They are not as distracted with the outside environment as they were in the warmer months. Since they are nesting or hibernating, they are in the mood for indoor entertainment and stories. Holiday stories have a little extra excitement because there are a few extra events taking place that don't happen on routine days (work, drive, clean, etc.).

4. What do you think about the trend among some people to reframe Black Friday as "Buy Nothing Day"?

I hadn't heard about "Buy Nothing Day," but I assume people are revolting against the insanity of Black Friday. Black Friday can bring out the worst in people. Since Black Friday brings people out in multitudes, the worst of human expression is multiplied.

5. In writing a short novel, how do you maintain a balance between writing about events and feelings drawn from your own life and creating a work of fiction?

This particular story was a pleasure to write. Much of it was taken straight from memory of incidents with people I've known. I added a little comedic exaggeration, and the same stories that had brought mental anguish then became funny perceptions.

Thanks, May!